I was always intrigued by the ability to blend various elements and styles to convey layered meanings. The realturning point came when I started incorporating references from my experiences in the Southwest into my work. Injecting those landscapes, symbols, and stories added a personal depth and authenticity to my pieces, grounding them in a sense of place while allowing me to explore larger, often ironic themes.

My exploration of portraiture focused on capturing character and story through minimal, almost abstract features. This approach taught me how powerful suggestions and subtlety can be, which now plays a significant role in my current work. I enjoy using symbolism and fragmented imagery to explore contemporary themes, leaving just enough space for viewers to bring their own interpretations into the piece.

Early on, I was drawn to themes of nostalgia, Americana, and identity, which naturally brought me to challenges like balancing irony with authenticity. I wanted to capture the essence of the American Dream while also critiquing it. This contrast became a key part of my artistic voice, which I carry forward in my current series that blend Western iconography with modern themes like AI, war, and disillusionment.

Edinburgh offers a sense of history and mystique that contrasts with Phoenix's raw, open landscapes. This duality influences my work, combining a rugged, almost desolate Americana aesthetic with a more reflective, historical undertone. The contrast between these two places helps me explore themes of old vs. new, tradition vs. modernity, and permanence vs. impermanence.

Each city brings a different perspective and audience, which has taught me to think more globally while staying true to my roots. I've learned to incorporate broader themes that resonate with universal audiences, even when I'm working in a niche style. Seeing how different cultures interpret my work has encouraged me to keep pushing boundaries and embracing themes in a way that speaks across borders.

Absolutely. The overwhelming influence of technology, the shifting cultural landscape, and the heightened political tensions were big inspirations. The concept of the American Dream has become so complex and often contradictory, especially with recent global events. This collection is my way of reflecting on that absurdity, blending nostalgia with the surreal qualities of today's world.

I picked themes that resonate with the contradictions we're living in, where ideals are often commodified. My aim is to provoke thought, encouraging viewers to question the authenticity of what they're sold. The collection isn't about clear answers but about showcasing the irony and inviting viewers to see the paradox in our values today.

Definitely. The bright colors draw people in, almost like the lure of the American Dream, but once you're close, there's a darker message. I want the contrast to reflect how the appeal of modern culture can often mask a more troubling reality beneath. It's a way of making people pause and reconsider the narratives they accept.

Technology and social media have created a culture where everything is fast-paced and instantly consumable, including art. I think it's made people crave quick visuals but often miss deeper messages. My work attempts to bridge that gap by using bold aesthetics to catch attention and ironic content to invite deeper reflection. Art has become a conversation, not just a statement, and I want my work to contribute to that dialogue.

The tension between progress and decay will always be a theme for me, but I'm also interested in exploring how nostalgia is marketed and consumed, and the ways in which AI and digital identities are shaping our reality. I want to keep challenging the romanticized past with the complexity of the present and future, always with a bit of humour and irony.